Report of the city of Somerville 1950, Part 25

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1950
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 420


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1950 > Part 25


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25


Pension


Total Retirement Allowances


General Employees:


Men


2


$ 159.96


$ 4,561.80


$ 4,721.76


Women


1


71.40


565.92


637.32


Firemen and


Policemen


3


357.60


5,856.24


6,213.84


Total


6


$ 588.96


$10,983.96


$11,572.92


Dependent Beneficiaries of Deceased Employees and Employee Beneficiaries


Group


No.


Annuities


Pension


Total Retirement Allowances


Men


....


Women


3


$ 337.92


$ 2,406.72


$ 2,744.64


Total


3


$ 337.92


$ 2,406.72


$ 2,744.64


GRAND TOTAL ..


25


$2,868.48


$26,063.64


$28,932.12


.....


.......


..


386


ANNUAL REPORTS


SOMERVILLE RETIREMENT SYSTEM Balance Sheet, December 31, 1950


Assets


Investments


$1,227,344.69


Deposits in Banks


33,000.00


Cash


42,610.04


Accrued Interest


7,690.54


$1,310,645.27


Liabilities


Annuity Savings Fund, 5 %


$754,590.30


Annuity Reserve Fund, 5 %


34,703.05


Pension Fund, 5 %


274,679.02


Special Fund for Military Service Credit, 5 %


21,681.79


Annuity Savings Fund, 4 %


30,034.07


Annuity Reserve Fund, 4 %


13,461.12


Pension Accumulation Fund, 4 %


138,165.31


Pension Reserve Fund, 4 %


37,144.50


Special Fund for Military Service Credit, 4 %


2,800.11


Expense Fund


3,386.00


$1,310,645.27


RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FOR YEAR 1950


Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1950 ..


$36,058.25


Contributions by Members:


4 %


$ 2,026.89


5 %


114,672.42


Redeposits


4,517.17


Transfers from other Sys-


212.33


121,428.81


Contributions by City:


4 %


$21,196.30


5 %


22,741.20


43,937.50


Reimbursement from other Systems


31.27


Income from Investments


34,293.86


Redemption of Securities


15,122.39


$250,872.08


Expenditures


Purchase of Securities


$121,370.45


Accrued Interest on Securi-


ties Purchased


639.94


Pension Payments:


4 %


$21,158.28


5 %


22,137.47


43,295.75


tems


Receipts


387


RETIREMENT BOARD


Annuity Payments:


4 %


$ 2,684.97 2,730.26


5 %


5,415.23


Refunds:


4 %


$ 2,266.22


5 %


27,477.66


29,743.88


Transfers to other Systems .. Administration Expenses ...


754.53 7,042.26


Cash on hand 12/31/50


42,610.04


$250,872.08


SOMERVILLE RETIREMENT BOARD EDMUND L. KELLEHER, Chairman DANIEL A. DOWNEY, Vice-Chairman HELEN E. VARNERIN


388


ANNUAL REPORTS


REPORT OF THE SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY, INC.


FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1950


June 12, 1951


Honorable John M. Lynch Mayor of the City of Somerville City Hall Somerville, Massachusetts


Dear Mr. Mayor:


Herewith we are sending to you and the Board of Aldermen the Third Annual Report of the Somerville Housing Authority, covering its activities for the year ending December 31, 1950.


The Authority - whose projects are numbered among the most successful in the State - has already provided 226 apartments for veterans of low income, and their families, and it is anticipating that an additional 240 units will shortly be available for occupancy.


Its achievements are due, in no small measure, to the members of its staff, who have worked hard to achieve the re- sults attained, and to the time and energy devoted to the task by its members - both past and present - who have given more than 2000 hours of voluntary service to the advancement of the cause of public housing.


Also, the Authority is deeply appreciative of the whole- hearted support received from you and from the members of the Board of Aldermen - as well as from the Governor and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


The Authority is proud of its record and sincerely hopes that the service rendered has been of value to Somerville and particularly to those veterans for whom homes have already been provided and those for whom additional housing is now in process of completion.


Very truly yours, Somerville Housing Authority, CHARLES MARTIGNETTE, Chairman


389


HOUSING AUTHORITY


At the adjourned meeting of the Somerville Housing Authority, held on Wednesday, January 10, 1950, the follow- ing officers were elected:


Charles G. Martignette-Chairman George Taylor-Vice-Chairman Oscar P. Grove-Treasurer Walter A. Burdett-Member * Thomas W. Bowe-Member


* In November, 1950, Mr. Thomas Bowe resigned as representative of the State Housing Board. He was succeeded by Charles J. Murphy, who was appointed by Governor Dever to fill his unexpired term.


OPERATING STATEMENT For Year Ending December 31, 1950 CHAPTER 372


Linden Avenue


On February 12, 1948, construction was completed. A total of 5 two-family units was built at a cost of $112,785.22.


These homes were designed as two-family frame dwellings, consisting of 41/2 rooms on each of the first and second floors. They have been occupied since February 5, 1948, by veterans of WORLD WAR II and their families at a rental of $45.00 per month.


Gross Income for 1950 was $5,400.00.


Clarendon Hill


On September 28, 1948, construction was completed at Clarendon Hill. A total of 48 apartments, consisting of three, four and five rooms, was occupied on October 1, 1948.


This type of building is known as the multiple-apartment type, first-class construction, three-story walk-up. Electric refrigerators and electric ranges, built-in kitchen cabinets, continuous hot water and janitor service were provided to the tenants - all veterans of WORLD WAR II and their families.


The cost per unit for these apartments was $9905, which was the lowest per unit cost for construction in the Common- wealth of Massachusetts.


390


ANNUAL REPORTS


The cost of construction of these buildings was $498,789.35. Conversion of Clarendon Hill from Chapter 372 to Chapter 200 took place in December, 1949.


In April, 1949, construction was started on the balance of the land at Clarendon Hill, for the erection of 7 multiple- apartment buildings, consisting of 24 apartments each - a total of 168 units. Completion of this project was effected in April, 1950. It is known as State-Aided Housing Project 200-1 and consists of 21 five-room apartments, 126 four-room apartments and 21 three-room apartments. The rents in this project are based upon the veteran's income and the number of minor dependants.


Gross income from the above project was $110,112.75. The current operating expense, without any provision being made for the retirement of the debt, was $47,711.13, leaving a net profit of $62,717.13.


As of December 31, 1950, this project was in the develop- ment stage.


CHAPTER 200


Mystic Avenue


In December, 1949, plans were drawn for the construction of 10 multiple-type apartment buildings, first-class construc- tion, 3-story walk-ups, containing 240 units. In March, 1950, ground was broken at the Fiske Estate, bordering on Butler Drive and Mystic Avenue, and actual work was started that same day.


It is the hope of the Authority that this project - which is known as State-Aided Housing Project 200-2 - will be ready for occupancy within a few months.


STATEMENT OF POLICY IN TENANT SELECTION CHAPTER 372


Order of Preference


1. Veterans of WORLD WAR II and their dependants, who are without housing; families separated because of the lack of housing; also those who, because of certain evic- tion, will be without housing.


Each must have the ability to pay the prescribed rent.


2. Veterans of WORLD WAR II, with children, who are living in places not designed for family life or were otherwise inadequately equipped with living facilities.


391


HOUSING AUTHORITY


3. Veterans of WORLD WAR II, with children, who are actually doubled up under conditions detrimental to proper living.


Mystic Avenue Project


At the present time preparations are being made to screen and investigate - to determine the eligibility of veterans in regard to present housing conditions, employment and income.


The Authority plans to select tenants very soon, with the hope that the units will be ready for occupancy when the in- vestigation is completed.


Urban Redevelopment


Early in the year the Authority, cognizant of the need for a long range program of city planning and Urban Redevelop- ment, sent the following significant communication to the Mayor:


"Honorable John M. Lynch, Mayor City Hall Somerville, Massachusetts


Dear Mr. Mayor:


In addition to its activities in the field of hous- ing, the Somerville Housing Authority is cognizant of the great need in Somerville for the immediate formation of a policy of long range planning that we may fully participate in the pending program of Urban Redevelopment. We are mutually charged with a grave responsibility for the future of Somer- ville and the well being of unborn generations de- pends upon whether we plan wisely, well, or not at all.


It is, as you so well appreciate, a time for cour- age and for vision and above all, for action. To the generations that have gone before us, to our con- temporaries, and to those that come after us, we owe a grave duty.


It is our understanding that the City of Somer- ville is at this time entitled to receive under Title I


392


ANNUAL REPORTS


of the National Housing Act, a program reservation of some three hundred sixty five thousand ($365,- 000) dollars in outright Federal grants in the next two years for Urban Redevelopment studies and to meet any losses that may be incurred between the cost of acquiring, clearing and preparing land for re- development and its fair resale price for new use.


Redevelopment projects for which these funds may be used and for which the Housing Authority is the administrative agency include not only the clearance of sub-standard housing for new housing, but also the development of sites occupied by sub- standard housing for other uses including recrea- tion, industry and commerce. These redevelopment projects may be sold or leased to private developers. It is our Authority's feeling that through Urban Re- development a start can be made in improving hous- ing and living conditions in Somerville, attracting new private investment in our city, in strengthening our tax base, and revitalizing a city that is faced with grave problems.


In order to carry out these desirable objectives for the best interests of Somerville, the Housing Authority needs the guidance and full co-operation of the City Government. A long range policy on the development of our City is absolutely essential so that such expenditures may be wisely and benefi- cially made. This principle has been recognized by the Federal Government which calls for a general city plan as a prerequisite for obtaining Federal funds. Section 105 of the National Housing Act of 1949 regarding the need for a general plan reads as follows:


'Sec. 105. Contracts for financial aid shall be made only with a duly authorized local public agency and shall require that-


(a) The redevelopment plan for the project area be approved by the governing body of the lo- cality in which the project is situated, and that such approval include findings by the governing body that (I) the financial aid to be provided in the con- tract is necessary to enable the land in the project area to be redeveloped in accordance with the re-


393


HOUSING AUTHORITY


development plan; (II) the redevelopment plans for the redevelopment areas in the locality will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs for the locality as a whole, for the redevelop- ment of such areas by private enterprise; and (III) the redevelopment plan conforms to a general plan for the redevelopment of the locality as a whole . . '


This sovereign Authority is most anxious to carry its responsibilities in the replanning and re- development of Somerville out. It cannot act, how- ever, without a policy on the part of the sovereign city relative to long-range development. By Massa- chusetts law such a policy is the responsibility of a local planning board. As you know, other Massa- chusetts municipalities have been carrying out city planning activities vigorously and are now in a good position to make the best use of Federal funds that will be made available. We would like to see Somer- ville in the same rank as other Massachusetts municipalities in this respect.


Time is growing short. Action must be taken before July 1, 1950 and it should be well con- sidered.


We are grateful for the state of mutual co- operation we now enjoy and will be happy to co-oper- ate with you further in the immediate problem of planning for a program of Urban Redevelopment for Somerville.


Very truly yours,


CHARLES G. MARTIGNETTE Chairman“


By July this resulted in the Board of Aldermen, acting upon a communication from the Mayor, passing of a corrected order, requesting of the Federal Government a reservation of $369,320.00 in capital grant funds for Urban Redevelopment in Somerville.


Mr. Corish, our counsel, conducted Mr. Robinson of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, who flew up from Wash- ington, in a personal on-the-spot tour of Somerville, pointing out the historic, geographic and economic background of the


394


ANNUAL REPORTS


city, its traffic arteries, railroad facilities, its mixed land uses and its glaring examples of municipal obsolescence. The same day a conference was held with the Mayor and the program outlined.


A comprehensive report was prepared, describing Somer- ville's historical background, the major factors affecting plan- ning and reconstruction of several older sections, and the Authority's analysis of the possibilities of such areas under the Urban Redevelopment Program. This report was reviewed in Washington as part of the voluminous file submitted with our application for an advance of funds to permit further detailed study of what might be accomplished under this program and shortly before the end of the year unofficial word was received that the Authority's application for $21,700.00 in preliminary planning funds, also approved by the City, had been granted and that the program might well be in operation by the Spring of 1951.


As of December 31, 1950, this Authority was one of the two or three most advanced in the State with respect to the progress made in this field. The Authority waited only for formal, final approval by the Division of Slum Clearance and Urban Redevelopment in Washington to establish a Redevelop- ment Section within the Housing Authority to carry forward this challenging program under the direction and supervision of the members of the Authority.


ARCHITECTS AND CONTRACTORS EMPLOYED


Architects


Contractor


Linden Avenue


M. A. Dyer Company


Grande & Son


Clarendon Avenue


1 st 2 Buildings


7 Additional Buildings


M. A. Dyer Company M. A. Dyer Company


John Bowen Company G. L. Rugo & Sons, Inc.


Mystic Avenue


M. A. Dyer Company


Calumet Construction Co.


395


INDEX


INDEX


Address, Mayor John M. Lynch 5


Appeal, Board of, Report of


327


Assessors, Board of, Report of Estimated Receipts and Available Funds 359


358


City Auditor, Report of 13


Appropriations


21


Balance Sheet


14


Borrowing Capacity, Dec. 31, 1950


42


Cash Statement


18, 19, 20


Classified Debt Jan. 1, 1950


37


Commonwealth of Massachusetts


34


County of Middlesex


34


Detail of Estimated Receipts in 1950


31


Excess and Deficiency Account


46


Funded Debt 37, Insert 42


Interest Requirements on Funded Debt 1950


Insert 42


Interest Requirements on Funded Debt (Six Years)


41


Interest Requirements on Present City Debt to Maturity


Insert 40


Loans Increasing the Debt


37


Maturities on Funded Debt 1951


39


Maturities on Funded Debt (Six Years)


40


Maturities Reducing the Debt


37


Net Funded or Fixed Debt


16


Overlay Accounts


43


Receipts and Expenditures, Classification


48-91


Refunds


91


Schedule of Public Property


92-95


Statement of Appropriations (Revenue) 1950


21-27


Statement of Revenue and Expenses 1950


35


Statement of Other Revenue Accounts 1950


29-30


Statement of Appropriations (Non-Revenue)


28


Tailings


47


Taxes


38


Tax Possessions


47


Tax Titles


46


Temporary Loans 1950


36


Trust and Invested Funds


17


City Clerk, Report of


103


Births


106


Deaths


107


Licenses and Permits


105


Marriages


106


Payments


105


Receipts


103


396


ANNUAL REPORTS


City Engineer, Report of


268


Engineering Division 269


273


Parks and Playgrounds Division Sewer Division 271


City Government and Officers for 1950


108


City Solicitor, Report of 354


City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes, Report of


96


Bonds Due in 1951


102


Bond Interest-Due 1951


Insert 102


Bond Maturities with Interest, Yearly


101


Cash Statement


97


Commitment by Assessors


98


Funded Debt as of December 31, 1950


100


Motor Vehicle Excise


98


Loans, All Other 101


Temporary Loans


99


Commissioner of Public Buildings (see Public Buildings Com- missioner)


330


Commissioner of Streets (see Street Commissioner)


276


Commissioner of Water (see Water Commissioner) 300


Commissioner of Electric Lines and Lights, Report of


348


Fire Alarm System


348


Inspection of Wiring in Buildings


348


Police Signal System


350


Street Lighting


351


Traffic Signals


350


Dental Hygiene, Report of


253


Election Commissioners, Board of, Report of


366


Expenses


Jurors


368


List Registered Voters


371


Listing Board, Report of


369


Nomination Papers Initiative Petitions


367


Registration


366


State Primary (Democratic)


372


State Primary (Republican)


375


State Election


378


Recounts


368


Fire Department, Chief of, Report of


361


Alarms and Losses


361


Classification of Alarms


361


Manual Force


362


Memoriam


362


Health, Board of, Report of


238


Dental Hygiene, Report of


253, Insert 252


Diseases, Schools, list of


243


Funeral Directors


244


Health Nurses, Report of


245


368


397


INDEX


Infant Hygiene, Clinics


244


Inspection of Animals and Provisions, Report of


249


Inspection of Animals and Veterinarian, Report of 250


Inspection of Milk and Vinegar, Report of


251


Medical Inspection of Schools


241


Medical Inspection, Report of


247


Mortality Statistics


239


Permits and Licenses 238


Specimens and Supplies


241


Housing Authority, Report of 388


Inspector of Milk and Vinegar, Report of


251


Law Department, Report of


354


Licensing Commission, Report of


343


Medical Inspection, Report of 247


247


Tuberculosis


247


Planning Board


364


Police, Chief of, Report of


315


Arrests


315


Changes in Department


326


Roster of Department


324


Public Buildings, Commissioner, Report of


330


Building Permits Issued


341


Distribution of Expenditures


342


Estimated Cost New Buildings and Alterations


342


Fees Collected


341


Maintenance of Municipal Buildings


330-341


Public Library


254


Board of Trustees and Officers


254


Report of Librarian


260


Report of Trustees


259


Organization of Library and Staff Personnel


254


Statistics


266


Public Welfare, Department of


305


Aid to Dependent Children


307


City Home, Reports of Superintendent


309


City Physician, Report of


310


Full Support


306


Members of Board, Committee, Officers, etc.


305


Old Age Assistance


307


Partial Support


306


Population and Gross Expenditures


308


Report of General Agent


306, 311


Reimbursements


308


Recreation Commission, Report of


114


Retirement System 384


Diphtheria Immunization


398


ANNUAL REPORTS


Sanitary Department, Report of


Collection of Ashes and Paper


352


School Department 123


Appendix Contents of (Summary of Statistics)


166


Graduates-High School


208


Junior High Schools


214


Evening High Schools Vocational School


221


222


School Committees and Office Force


124-125


Somerville Teachers' Club


206


Somerville High School


202


Somerville High School Athletic Association


205


Superintendent of Schools, Report of 127


Teachers in Service


224


Sealer of Weights and Measures


355


Sewers (see City Engineer)


268


Street Commissioner, Report of


276


Sidewalks and Highway Maintenance


277


Snow and Ice


276


Street Cleaning


277


Suppression of Moths


278


Traffic Control


278


List of Streets


279


Veterans' Services, Report of


329, Insert 329


Water Commissioner, Report of


300


Hydrants, Gates, etc.


303


Appropriations and Expenditures


300


Summary Pipes and Fixtures


302


Summary and Statistics


302


Water Consumption


301


352


.


w




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.